With tons of stalls, mulled wine and live music, Christmas markets are a great way to spend the festive season. But choosing the right one can depend on what you’re looking for.

Are you trying to find unique Christmas decorations? Or picturesque cobbled streets and wooden chalets? Most of the markets in the UK cover a little bit of everything and location can play a big part.

Take a look at our list below, whether you’re after some Christmas shopping, or a city break, we list the best markets that the UK has to offer, ranging from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Bath

Bath Christmas market 2007

Bath is city of history, culture and, towards the end of the year, Christmas markets. In 2017 the event brought in nearly half a million visitors. It creates revenue for the city, as well as the local charities.

Included will be 200 wooden chalets selling a wide array of gifts, food and decorations. All held in Bath's city centre.

With over 80 per cent of the produce coming from the local area, it is well and truly a South West market. Running from November 22 to December 9.

Birmingham German Christmas Market

Birmingham Christmas Market (Image: Robert Harding World Imagery)

When it comes to Christmas markets, there's no denying that Birmingham's offering has become iconic.

Situated in the heart of the city centre, the event brings together a whole host of different markets filling Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, with hundreds of stalls offering everything from quirky gifts to delicious refreshments.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Padstow Christmas market

The Padstow Christmas Festival is a four-day celebration bringing a wealth of culinary delights and festive fun from some of Britain’s best loved chefs.

During the last eleven years, the festival, sponsored by Sharp's Brewery, has earned a reputation for showcasing a tempting selection of food ranging from artisan breads and cakes, chocolates, meats, cheeses, and preserves and pickles, not to mention award-winning craft beers, ciders, and locally-produced gins, rum, brandy, and vodka.

What’s more, you will be able to try your hand at Beer Bingo, and experience a beer and food epiphany at the Secret Bar or sample Sharp’s festive ale specially brewed by Aaron McClure, Sharp’s Technical Brewer in collaboration with Zack Hawke, Head Chef at The Mariners who wanted to create a festive beer to perfectly complement seasonal winter dishes.

Celebrated names such as Nathan Outlaw, Rick Stein, Tom Kerridge, Paul Ainsworth and Dan Doherty will be ready to share their cooking secrets in the Chefs Theatre throughout the weekend.

Manchester

The Manchester Christmas markets are some of the biggest in the UK and opened in 1999. In 2018 it'll start on November 9 and run to December 22. The market hub, located in Albert Square, will be open until December 23.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

During the Christmas period Nottingham's Winter Wonderland takes over Old Market Square and Long Row. Included will be a skating rink, Helter Skelter and Ice Bar, plus plenty of craft stalls to put you in the festive spirit.

The Winter Wonderland will open November 15 with shopping stalls open till December 24 and bars until New Year's Day.

Liverpool

(Image: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/)

This years Christmas markets in Liverpool will include the new Windmill Bar, offering traditional beers and festive drinks.

It will remain on Lime Street, outside St George's Hall, and will have over 40 festive style cabins. These will include stalls for food, drink and crafts, which will sell handmade jewellery and festive decorations.

Rochester Castle Christmas Market, Kent

The Rochester Castle Christmas market is labelled as Kent's best, and it's easy to see why.

Not only will the market have amazing stalls and activities, but it's also set in the historic Rochester Castle gardens, overlooked by Rochester's 12th Century Norman Keep. Rochester Christmas market will be open on November 24,25,30 and December 1,2,7,8 and 9.

Other markets in the Kent area include Canterbury, Chartwell, Elham and Faversham.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you wander amongst the 200 stalls that offer everything from sparkling jewellery to festive home decorations, as well as tasty treats including mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

Stall-owners dress up in Victorian gear, and there are plenty of choir performances and dance displays - and even the odd juggling stilt walker or two!

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Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening

Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening (Image: Enjoy Warwick)

Taking place on the last Thursday of November (29th), this fun-filled night is the perfect way to kick off the festive season!

Father Christmas is on hand to help the Mayor of Warwick switch on the lights, while there's everything from carousels to children's rides and street entertainers sure to make for a memorable night out.

Then of course there's the Victorian market itself which is packed with stalls offering the very best of festive foods and crafts - all you need to do is pick which ones you want to try first!

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

Taking place on November 24-25, this quirky medieval fair makes for a Christmas market experience unlike any other.

Nestled in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, the fair boasts over 100 stalls selling quirky gifts you won't find on the high street, as well as plenty of historical goods, and of course, festive food and drink.

There's entertainment on all day throughout the castle so it's a dream for budding historians, not to mention there are activities that the whole family can enjoy including archery, puppetry and even swordplay!

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Christmas markets

Cheltenham Christmas Market

You know it's Christmas when the wooden chalets pop up along the Cheltenham Promenade, and the surrounding trees are decorated with pretty lights and festive touches.

As for what's on sale? You can expected seasonal arts & crafts, elegant paintings and sparkling hand crafted jewellery - not to mention bargain hunters can often find some more unusual gifts or collectables.

Dates run from November 22 to December 15 and you can find out more on the official website.

Cardiff Christmas Market

Cardiff's Christmas extravaganza takes place between November 15 and December 23, boasting more than 200 exhibitors and 85 wooden stalls.

Renowned for offering up some incredible arts and crafts that make for unique gifts under the tree, this market is located in the heart of the city centre and boasts plenty of pedestrian areas so shoppers can explore at their leisure.

Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market

Take a step back in time at this authentic Victorian market where you're likely to spot plenty of characters including 'Wonder Tonic' salesmen, Oliver Twist-esque urchins and even a couple of mischievous thieves.

There's plenty to see and do, whether you want to show off your skating skills on the ice rink, explore the decorated stalls or ride the traditional Ferris Wheel.

Oh, and there's even a real ale tavern and roast chestnuts carts to really immerse you in the experience!

Not only are there local producers on hand to take orders for Christmas turkeys or geese, but they're also selling delicious pies, sausages, desserts and even Welshcakes, not to mention you could get your hands on local cheese, beers and ciders.

Oh and if you can't wait to get home to tuck into the feast, there are plenty of food stalls serving up everything from German sausages and mince pieces to mulled wine.

The event will be on December 6 only.

Edinburgh European Christmas Market

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just below the Mound, this Christmas market is just a stone's throw away from the biggest sights - so it's ideal if you're hoping to take a last-minute city break to the Scottish capital.

Then of course, the market itself offers everything you could want to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, from arts and crafts to gift shops, as well as some very exciting foodie surprises.

Chester Christmas Market

Chester Christmas Market (Image: Visitchester.com)

At the heart of Chester's market sits a sparkling Christmas tree, but there's plenty more festive cheer to go around.

Wander through the decorated wooden chalets offering up unique gifts and decorations sure to make Christmas Day that extra bit special, or replenish at the Real Ale Bar where you'll find both ales and hot chocolate, as well as that classic mulled wine.

Newcastle

In the past Newcastle has had two Christmas markets. One showcasing international treats and another for local traders. This year Newcastle City Council has confirmed there will be one, incorporating both.

Located at Grey's Monument, the market will run from November 16 through to December 16.

Leeds

The Leeds Christmas market is back for 2018 and will located in Millennium Square. It will run from November 9 until December 22 and follows the annual lights switch on the day before.

In 2017 there wereall kinds of different chalets and stalls selling toys, food and drink. Head over to Leeds Live to find out more about this years Christmas markets.

Cambridge

Christmas markets in Cambridge are spread over several locations this year including Ely, Huntingdon, Newmarket and Mill Road. There will also be a ice rink and the Undercover Alpine Bar making a return to Parker's piece. Dates for the selection of Christmas markets vary woth some covering the whole of December and others available for a single day.